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I just finished three pieces which were inspired by my friend Viktoria's shop, Mint Sparrow.

Viktoria opened Mint Sparrow in February 2015. At first she just wanted to rent a space where she could do her work, but as visitors started dropping in, she decided to turn it into a shop. Soon artists from all over the islands caught wind of the place, and it wasn't long before it turned into a cooperative endeavor.

Now you'll find the mint-green walls, the reworked (upcycled) retro furniture, and the little nooks of the Maltese structure filled to brimming with hand-made jewelry, books, pillows, handbags and purses, and a whole line of remade clothing.

I decided to take a spin off the vibe in this mini bookcase and set of wooden bowls. I'd had the wooden pieces lying around for a long time.

Bookcase

First I made the books. Using an Exacto knife, I cut cardboard into small squares and rectangles. Next I took several harmonious colors of ribbed ribbon and glued it around each piece like a book cover.

Then I painted the bookcase with white acrylic paint. I didn't varnish because I wanted it to have a rustic feel. After it dried, I ordered the books in an aesthetically-pleasing way, and then took them out and lay them in lines. Next I put a generous amount of glue on one shelf at a time and settled the books in.

Finally, I took some clear plastic sheeting saved from some long-forgotten packaging and cut it to fit the windows.

Bowls

I mixed some light pink and mint green colors using the acrylics and gave each bowl a quick paint. I got inspiration for the retro/primitive designs from artist Flora Chang.

I penciled them first (good thing, because I did need an eraser once or twice) and then covered the lines with pen and ink, the good old-fashioned way.

If you visit Malta, be sure to drop by at Mint Sparrow! You'll find it on Birkirkara Road in Ta' Giorni. You'll see some of my things there (including these), along a whole variety of other artists' work. Beautiful things, don't miss!

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My name is Stephanie. I live on an island. I love making things beautiful and making beautiful things. I also love seeing the beautiful things other people make, and when I find them I want to share them with you!